Ball State University
About Ball State University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Ball State University is a public research university in Muncie, Indiana. It is known for its strong telecommunications, architecture, and education programs. Ball State also operates PBS affiliate WIPB-TV and NPR affiliate IPR.
Founded
1918
Location
Muncie, Indiana
Students
19,888
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
85.5%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
62.3%
Near national average
In-State Tuition
$11,082
Out-of-state: $29,630
Avg Net Price
$14,940
After financial aid
SAT Average
1160
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$51,833
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Moderate
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
Free
Early
Dec 1
Regular
Mar 1
Ball State University accepts the majority of applicants at 85.5%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
SAT Scores
1160/ 1600
ACT Scores
24/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Average
62.3% complete their degree within six years
Retention
77.7%
4-Year Grad
54%
6-Year Grad
68%
Teaching Quality
15:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
76.7%
$/Student
$10.8K
Class Size
Medium
While 54% finish in 4 years, 77.7% of freshmen do return for sophomore year. Many students here may take a bit longer, but they stick with it.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$11,082
In-State
$29,630
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$12,334
Books & Supplies
$1,400
Total Cost of Attendance
$26,146
After Financial Aid
$14,940
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$7,834
Receive Grants
34.7%
Take Loans
42.6%
The full cost of attendance is about $26,146/yr for in-state students, including $12,334 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $14,940. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $29,630.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Ball State University fund their education.
While in School
34.7%
Get Grants
Free money
42.6%
Take Loans
Must repay
$61,975
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$23,250
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$246/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Students typically graduate with $23,250 in debt, below the national median. That's a manageable amount for most career paths.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Ball State University.
Gender
60.8%
Female
39%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
13,988
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
5,900
Graduates
27.7%
First-Gen
20 yrs
Avg Age
5.6%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 61% of the student body. 27.7% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Small
Campus Quick Facts
13,988
Students
public
Institution
Medium
Campus Size
R2 Research
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Ball State University fields 12 varsity teams with 523 student athletes, about 4% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division I-FBS
Conference
Mid-American
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
12
Biggest: Football
Student Athletes
523
4% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
47% / 53%
244
Men
279
Women
7
Men's Teams
10
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Ball State Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$51,833
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
$35K
199 grads
1yr Earnings
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
$42K
189 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$31K
189 grads
1yr Earnings
Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
$32K
178 grads
1yr Earnings
Business/Commerce, General
$47K
164 grads
1yr Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$74K
151 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates earn about $44K six years out, growing to $52K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Ball State University
What is the acceptance rate at Ball State University?▾
How much does Ball State University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Ball State University?▾
How much do Ball State University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.